The Benefits of Writers Associations
Learn more about the benefits of joining a writers association, and how they can help your career.
Generally, writing is a solo endeavor. It’s just you and your imagination working to craft a story over long days and nights in your designated writing location, drinks and snacks on hand. Whether you are an aspiring writer just beginning your career, or a seasoned author, a journalist, a poet or a copywriter, there are times when talking to and even collaborating with other writers presents an opportunity to learn and grow. Joining a professional association can be a powerful tool for boosting your writing career.
Writers’ associations are typically members-based collectives of professional writers who come together to offer a variety of resources, services, and programs to help the members enhance their writing skills. They focus on either a genre or a specific field of writing. For example, The Authors Guild is an international association for any and all writers, whereas the Western Writers of America focuses on those who write about the American West. The Black Writers Collective cultivates a community of black writers and editors, whereas the New York Financial Writers' Association is devoted to business and financial publications.
Available at the international, national and local level, these groups are typically nonprofit organizations. Many will charge a small annual or monthly fee to cover basic costs such as maintaining a website, holding a conference, etc.
Benefits of a Writer’s Association
Community
Unless friends or family are writers too, it’s unlikely that they will understand what writing, publishing and marketing a book entails. Your talk on the ups and downs of the writing process, or the ins and outs of the business side may seem like a foreign language to them. By joining a writing association or authors guild, you are welcomed into a world of like-minded individuals who have faced or are facing the same highs and lows as you. Rather than searching Google or YouTube, this valuable group of amateur to professional writers is a resource for answers to specific questions.
As an added bonus, many professional authors are members of an association, thus giving you access to industry experts. Lee Child is an active member of The Crime Writer’s Association and J. K. Rowling is a member of The Society of Authors.
Encouragement
There are many obstacles that life places in the path to publishing. However, a writing group can give you the extra inspiration you might need to keep going. With the resources available within the association and the cheerleading of the other members, advice, sponsorship and support are only a click or phone call away.
With international associations, you can learn from writers in other countries who share their experiences. By joining a local branch of a writing group, there is the potential for a closer relationship with other writers and to be involved in events within the community.
Opportunity
Because the goal within an association is to talk about your creative writing, there is the opening to promote yourself and your books. You may find other authors in your genre to cross promote your books with, or collaborate with on a creative writing project. Many associations have a relationship with publishers and literary agents, which provide insight on upcoming publishing opportunities. Plus, these associations connect you closer to the traditional publishing route than simply submitting your book through a blind tender process.
Pro-Tip: Adding an association link or name to your website can help with search engine optimization, thus boosting your website higher in search rankings.
Services
Many writing associations have a roster of member approved writing service resources and companies. With the backing of the group and testimonials from members, these services come with built in reviews and ratings that go above finding someone on a site like Fivver.
Essential services like editors, cover designers, website builders, contract reviews and public relations are all often accessible once you’ve joined the association. Advocacy and sponsorships are also options available in some writers’ associations, like the National Writers Union, which helps writers solve grievances with legal aid.
Discounts
One of the best advantages of joining a writer’s association is the exclusive discounts and unique opportunities they can offer. The larger the association, the more member benefits available and they can have a wide-reaching range outside of writing. For example, Writers Guild of America offers car rental discounts, subscriptions to Publisher’s Weekly, specials on computers and software, etc.
Education
Writing programs, particularly with larger, more established associations, are a draw to join a writer’s group. Courses, webinars, workshops etc., offer a variety of topics to inform, inspire and improve your knowledge and advance your career.
Writing conferences offer a wealth of information and also another opportunity to network with fellow writers. Many have both in-person and online options now available to increase the participation in these sessions.
Awards
Who doesn’t want to add “award-winning” to their book cover? The jewel in the crown of becoming a member of a writing association is the ability to enter specialized writing competitions. Winning a writing contest is an achievement and lots of fun, but also a line you can add to your bio. With this fact on your writing resume, the award becomes a showcase for you as an author.
Even if you don’t win, the process will give you exposure to the judges who may be publishers or agents and might remember your work. Enter often and these folks may get to know your name and your work, which can lead to other opportunities.
Writing Associations
Looking for an association you might want to join? We have many options listed below to help you get started in your research. They are listed alphabetically for convenience.
Academy of American Poets
“Without poetry, we lose our way.”
Founded: 1934
Mission Statement: support American poets at all stages of their careers and to foster the appreciation of contemporary poetry.
Free or Paid: Paid
American Medical Writers Association
“The leading professional organization for communicators of medical information.”
Founded: 1940
Mission Statement: to promote excellence in medical communication and to provide educational resources in support of that goal.
Free or Paid: Paid
American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)
“The nation’s largest professional organization of independent nonfiction writers.”
Founded: 1948
Mission Statement: independent journalists, authors, and content writers find the community, networking opportunities, and professional development they need to advance their careers and refine their skills resources in support of that goal.
Free or Paid: Paid
Aspiring Writers Association of America
“Where Words Matter”
Founded: 1967
Mission Statement: to motivate, inspire, and educate aspiring and seasoned writers.
Free or Paid: Paid
Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP)
“The AWP provides community, opportunities, ideas, news, and advocacy for writers and teachers of writing.”
Founded: 1967
Mission Statement: AWP amplifies the voices of writers and the academic programs and organizations that serve them while championing diversity and excellence in creative writing.
Free or Paid: Paid
Education Writers Association (EWA)
“A nonprofit journalism organization funded in part by grants from leading foundations, seminar sponsorships, and individual donations.”
Founded: 1947
Mission Statement: to strengthen the community of education writers and improve the quality of education coverage to better inform the public.
Free or Paid: Free
Horror Writers Association
“A nonprofit organization of writers and publishing professionals around the world, dedicated to promoting dark literature and the interests of those who write it.
Founded: 1980
Mission Statement: One of HWA’s missions is to encourage public interest in and foster an appreciation of good Horror and Dark Fantasy literature. To that end, we offer the public areas of this web site, we sponsor or take part in occasional public readings and lectures, we publish a blog and produce other materials for booksellers and librarians, we facilitate readings and signings by horror writers, and we maintain an official presence at the major fan-based horror and fantasy conventions, such as the World Fantasy Convention. We also organize our own annual convention: StokerCon.
Free or Paid: Paid
International Screenwriters’ Association
“Connecting You and Your Projects to the Industry.”
Founded: 2008
Mission Statement: The ISA champions screenwriters to agents, managers and producers seeking talent and provides essential resources to elevate your craft and career.
Free or Paid: Both
International Women's Writing Guild
“A place where all women writers feel welcome, inspired, and empowered by skills, resources, and mentoring.”
Founded: 1976
Mission Statement: to build a vibrant global literary arts community that empowers women writers through learning experiences that foster personal and professional growth.
Free or Paid: Paid
Mystery Writers of America
“Crime doesn’t pay… enough.”
Founded: 1945
Mission Statement: Mystery Writers of America is the premier organization for mystery writers, professionals allied to the crime-writing field, aspiring crime writers, and those who are devoted to the genre. MWA is dedicated to promoting higher regard for crime writing and recognition and respect for those who write within the genre. We provide scholarships for writers, sponsor MWA Literacy programs, sponsor symposia and conferences, present the Edgar® Awards, and conduct other activities to further a better appreciation and higher regard for crime writing.
Free or Paid: Paid
National Association of Independent Writers and Editors
“A professional association for all publishing professionals! We exist to help members succeed with our unique focus on creating multiple streams of income.”
Founded: 2007
Mission Statement: The National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) is a professional organization for freelance writers and editors, both commercial and literary. We seek to provide professional support and career development for members through our many benefits, including an individual NAIWE website for each member, plus access to virtual training and career-development events and inclusion in a searchable database.
Free or Paid: Paid
National Association of Science Writers
“Connecting science and society since 1934.”
Founded: 1934
Mission Statement: NASW promotes the professional interests of science writers nationally and globally, plays an active role in supporting efforts to ensure writers are paid for their work, and advocates for copyright protections for writers.
Free or Paid: Paid
National Writers Union
“All Writers. All Genres. All Media.”
Founded: 1981
Mission Statement: The purpose of the NWU shall be to promote and protect the rights, interests, and economic advancement of members; to organize writers to improve professional working conditions through collective bargaining action; and to provide professional services to members.
Free or Paid: Paid
Poetry Society of America
“the nation's oldest poetry organization”
Founded: 1910
Mission Statement: Its mission is to build a larger and more diverse audience for poetry, to encourage a deeper appreciation of the vitality and breadth of poetry in the cultural conversation, to support poets through an array of programs and awards, and to place poetry at the crossroads of American life.
Free or Paid: Paid
Romance Writers of America (RWA)
“The Voice of Romance Writers.”
Founded: 1980
Mission Statement: Romance Writers of America® (RWA) is a nonprofit trade association whose mission is to advance the professional and common business interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy and by increasing public awareness of the romance genre. RWA works to support the efforts of its members to earn a living, to make a full-time career out of writing romance—or a part-time one that generously supplements their main income.
Free or Paid: Paid
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA)
(Previously known as Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America)
“an organization for published authors and industry professionals in the fields of science fiction, fantasy, and related genres.”
Founded: 1965
Mission Statement: A professional guild created in 1965 as Science Fiction Writers of America, to inform SF writers on matters of professional interest, to promote their professional welfare, and to help them deal effectively with publishers, agents, editors and anthologists.
Free or Paid: Paid
Sisters in Crime
“What’s Your Story”
Founded: 1986
Mission Statement: Sisters in Crime welcomes anyone as a Sibling who loves crime fiction: all genders, all genres, all stages of writing, all ages writing for all ages, and readers.
Free or Paid: Paid
Society for Technical Communication
“the world’s oldest professional association dedicated to the advancement of the field of technical communication”
Founded: 1953
Mission Statement: The Society for Technical Communication exists to help our members understand these changes in the field and to help them adapt their skills to the needs of the marketplace.
Free or Paid: Paid
Society of American Travel Writers
“To inspire travel through responsible journalism.”
Founded: 1955
Mission Statement: a professional organization comprised of the travel industry’s most experienced journalists, photographers, editors, broadcast/video/film producers, bloggers, website owners, public relations experts and hospitality industry representatives from the United States, Canada and beyond.
Free or Paid: Paid
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
“the preeminent membership organization for children’s book creators.”
Founded: 1971
Mission Statement: to support the creation of an abundance of quality children’s books, so that young people everywhere have the books they need and deserve.
Free or Paid: Paid
Western Writers of America
“Literature of the West for the World”
Founded: 1953
Mission Statement: to promote the literature of the American West and bestow Spur Awards for distinguished writing in the Western field.
Free or Paid: Paid
Woman’s Fiction Writers Association
“a professional, enriching, supportive, and diverse international community for writers of women’s fiction.”
Founded: 2013
Mission Statement: We believe that women’s fiction heightens human connection, engenders empathy, and illuminates new perspectives. By consciously supporting all voices and providing tools and resources to rigorously develop craft, the Women’s Fiction Writers Association fosters successful careers, meaningful relationships, and the creation of resonant, diverse stories.
Free or Paid: Paid
Writers Guild of America
“The premier Hollywood resource for emerging writers and entertainment lovers.”
Founded: 1933
Mission Statement: The Guild negotiates and administers contracts that protect the creative and economic rights of our members. We are involved in a wide range of programs that advance the interests of writers, and are active in public policy and legislative matters on the local, national, and international levels.
Free or Paid: Paid
Ready to Join?
The list above is only a fraction of the various writer organizations out there. With so much choice, there is sure to be one that is aligned with your genre, writing journey, or experiences. A sense of community where you are understood, encouraged and welcomed is a unique and valuable asset. Member benefits vary, but one thing is common to all professional writing associations — supporting authors with their writing career.